When Virtual Therapy Falls Short: Signs That In-Person Care May Be Needed

The ongoing trial of Lindsay Clancy, accused of murdering her three children, has drawn attention to the growing use of telehealth for serious mental-illness treatment, with nearly half of affected adults now receiving some care remotely, according to SAMHSA. Testimony revealed that Clancy saw her psychiatrist, Jennifer Tufts, virtually 14 times between September 2022 and January 23 2023, the day before the killings, and the two never met in person.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Kevin Reddington asked whether Tufts ever suggested an in-person visit, to which she replied that video sessions seemed sufficient. Independent psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert explained that while virtual therapy can expand access, clinicians should shift to face-to-face care when patients exhibit escalating suicidality, psychosis, mania, or inability to function. He listed specific risk-assessment questions and urged therapists to know a patient’s location during sessions for emergency response. Alpert concluded that telehealth itself is not the problem; rather, clinicians must ensure the level of care matches the patient’s condition.